Brookings: Topics - Australia and New Zealand

Foreign Policy

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:23:32 GMT

The U.S. and the international community face great challenges in the 21st century—globalization offers more freedom and prosperity, but also new threats to our security. The Foreign Policy Studies scholars and research help policymakers and the public address these crucial issues.

America's Image Rebounds

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Over recent years, politicians and analysts inside and outside the United States contended that America’s popularity was in terminal decline. Michael Fullilove and Fergus Hanson explore new public opinion data showing quite the opposite – a quick return to a positive image of the United States around the world.

President Obama and Australian President Rudd Sounded Good in Pittsburgh

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Fullilove writes that the UN General Assembly in New York and G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh proved fruitful for the United States and Australia. Fullilove notes both Obama and Rudd are tough diplomats who believe national interests are better pursued in concert with others, and he concludes the recent meetings bolstered their ideas and goals.

The Case for Australia's UN Security Council Bid

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

More than a year ago, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced his country’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2013-2014. Michael Fullilove breaks down the arguments of critics of the plan, provides a look at public opinion, and explains why UN Security Council membership is in Australia's best interest.

Kim Beazley is the Right Man for Australian Ambassador to the United States

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd recently appointed Kim Beazley the next ambassador to the United States. Michael Fullilove says it is a savvy move at an important time. Fullilove outlines various reasons as to why Beazley can help strengthen the Australia-U.S. relationship and notes several challenges including the ongoing war in Afghanistan.

Global Warming and War Both Require Sacrifice

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Though there are many differences between climate change and wars like the one in Afghanistan, Michael Fullilove considers the similarities and how each impacts Australia and the world. Fullilove argues that both require global cooperation and that the surest way to failure is for countries to stand on the sidelines instead of being involved.

Rudd and Obama’s Friendship Bolsters the Australia-U.S. Alliance

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Fullilove examines the Australia-U.S. alliance under Barack Obama and Kevin Rudd. Fullilove believes Obama's popularity in Australia has brought renewed domestic support to the alliance and that the personal relationship between leaders is strong, but he also cautions there will be challenges ahead.

Barack Obama, Kevin Rudd and the Australia-U.S. Alliance

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Over the past decade, much of the commentary on the Australia-U.S. alliance has focused on how the conservative leaders of both nations formulated policy. Michael Fullilove and Michael O'Hanlon analyze the developing relationship between Democratic President Barack Obama and Labor Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and how it may reshape the alliance.

The West Can Win in Afghanistan

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Though there have been increased attacks, growing casualties and falling popular support, Michael Fullilove and Anthony Bubalo write that Afghanistan is still winnable. They believe the Obama administration has done well by increasing resources and refocusing on what can be achieved, and say there is too much at stake for the West to conclude Afghanistan is the graveyard of foreign armies and depart.

Australia and International Pension Reform: Lessons for the United States

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

July 16, 2009, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

On July 16, the Retirement Security Project and the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center hosted Australian Assistant Treasurer Nick Sherry, to discuss the Superannuation Guarantee- Australia's mandatory retirement savings system- and its relevance to American policy-makers.

Businesses Cannot Ignore China

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Cheng Li joined the Australian Broadcasting Corporation to discuss the arrest of Rio Tinto executive Stern Hu and the need to understand the continually increasing business opportunities in China.

A Brookings Roundtable on Education Reform Featuring the Honorable Julia Gillard, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 19, 2009, 10:30 AM to 12:00:00 PM

In a roundtable discussion on education reform, Australian Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard outlined the similarities between the reform agendas in the United States and Australia. Highlighting a commitment to transparency and a promise to create a high-quality national curriculum, Minister Gillard notes that Australia would keep pace with its Asia-Pacific neighbors and create a plan to increase secondary school graduation rates.

A Defense Force of Terminators is Almost Here

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer addresses a recent Australian white paper envisioning a military force for 2030. Noting that the white paper places very little emphasis on military robotics, Singer writes, “in planning for the future, we should not ignore the technological trends that are already in action.”

Australia Will Have to Vie for Obama's Attention

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The world is excited to turn the page on the Bush administration and begin working anew with President-elect Obama, but Michael Fullilove notes that the new president's popularity means the Australia-U.S. relationship could be lost in the crush.

What the G-20 Wants

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

World leaders gathered in Washington, D.C. to respond to the international financial crisis. The Managing Global Insecurity project and The Chicago Council on Global Affairs hosted a special online forum of global perspectives on the summit. The result is an intriguing glimpse into pivotal issues that will continue to dominate discussions about the crisis.

Australian and International Climate Change Policy

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 30, 2008, 3:00 PM to 4:15 PM

On October 30, the Brookings Institution, in conjunction with the Lowy Institute for International Policy and the International Food Policy Research Institute, will host Professor Ross Garnaut for a discussion on climate change policy. The occasion will also mark the launch of The Garnaut Climate Change Review in the United States.

Picking the U.S. Winner: A Question of Hope or Glory

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Fullilove analyzes the foreign policy stances of Senator’s John McCain and Barack Obama in relation to Australia's interests throughout the world.

Global Perspectives on the U.S. Financial Crisis

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 10, 2008, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

What’s next for the global financial markets? Brookings hosted a discussion on the global implications of the U.S. financial crisis, featuring the Honorable Wayne Swan, MP, Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Australia, and projections by Brookings experts on the future of emerging and financial markets.

Australia's Defense and Foreign Policy Priorities

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

July 15, 2008, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

On July 15, the 21st Century Defense Initiative at Brookings and Lowy Institute for International Policy hosted the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, the Australian minister for defense. Minister Fitzgibbon outlined the new government’s priorities and discussed the role of the U.S.-Australia alliance in shaping peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.

Kevin Rudd Steps Out Into the World with Elan

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Fullilove discusses Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd's government. Fullilove believes that in his first six months in office, Rudd has taken a strong, energetic approach to foreign affairs -- something which his predecessor was unable to do.

Australia and the Garnaut Approach to Climate Change: Right Direction, Wrong Policy

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A draft report of the Garnaut Climate Change Review, released on July 4, 2008, attempts to lay out the issues for policy choice on climate change in Australia. Warwick McKibbin argues that Garnaut’s proposed emissions trading system, filled with too many uncertainties, disregards a vital international perspective.

Australia and Climate Change: Moving Toward an Effective Framework

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Following the release of the draft report of the Garnaut Climate Change Review in Australia, Warwick McKibbin was interviewed by Alan Kohler of ABC's "Inside Business," and discussed his views on the report and his own proposals for international climate change policies. Instead of Garnaut’s proposed emissions trading system, McKibbin advocates for a framework that includes clear, transparent, long-term goals with less uncertainty.

Building on Kyoto: Towards a Realistic Global Climate Agreement and What Australia Should Do

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

July 03, 2008, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

On July 3, 2008, the Australian National University hosted Warwick McKibbin for a presentation on Australia's role in the search for a sensible climate policy. This lecture draws on a new report that builds on Kyoto but which addresses the key elements needed to build a truly global regime. The lecture also outlines why a traditional cap and trade emission trading system as proposed by some is inadequate to deal with the uncertainty that underlies climate change and is not in Australia’s national interest.

Sensible Climate Policy: Green Goals With Long Aim

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As Australia faces a critical point in designing a national climate-policy framework, it could help drive the global debate on the type of policies to be enacted in a post-Kyoto world. Warwick McKibbin advocates for a national system that combines long-term emissions trading and a short-term fixed price for carbon.

U.S.-Australia Alliance Goes Back to Business First with Kevin Rudd

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Fullilove details Kevin Rudd's first official trip to the United States as prime minister of Australia. Despite ideological differences between the prime minister and his predecessor, Fullilove notes "Rudd also signaled that the alliance relies primarily on shared interests and values, not personalities."

A Conversation with the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. Kevin Rudd MP

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

March 31, 2008, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

On March 31, the Brookings Institution hosted the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. Kevin Rudd MP, for a conversation on U.S.-Australia relations and Australian foreign policy. In his speech, Prime Minister Rudd discussed the continued importance of U.S. global leadership, the new Australian government’s foreign policy framework and how the United States and Australia might engage China in the future.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's Visit to the United States

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Fullilove joins Australian Broadcasting Corporation Radio to discuss Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd's visit to the United States and what it might mean for continued relations between the two countries.

Australian Climate Change Policy Built on Shaky Foundation

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Garnaut Climate Change Review, commissioned by Australia's state and territory governments, examines the impacts of climate change on the Australian economy and makes recommendations for sustainable prosperity. Warwick McKibbin examines the science the review is based on and the political cloud that hovers over the climate debate.

Economist calls for bipartisan approach on climate

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

As discussion of global warming in Australia heats up, Brookings Scholar Warwick Mckibbin argues little was achieved by the recent debate and says Australia may be better served if the parties worked together on the issue.

Brookings Scholar Warwick McKibbin Appointed to the Board of the Reserve Bank of Australia

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 19:10:06 GMT

A Brookings news release, August 2001.

Climate Change Policy: The New Australian Approach

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 13:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 21, 2007, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Brookings hosted a discussion on the Australian government's recent climate change discussions and proposed policies with Warwick McKibbin and Peter Wilcoxen, whose climate change blueprint shaped the task force recommendations.

Blueprint for a Flexible, Sensible Climate Policy

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The release of the final report by the Prime Ministerial Task Group on Emissions Trading marks a new stage in the debate on how to implement realistic climate change policy. The timing of this excellent report is particularly important because it has the potential to be a strategy for climate policy at the global level as well as in Australia.

The Rise of China and the Strategic Implications for U.S. - Australia Relations

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 20, 2007, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

China’s growing economic power and increasing role on the international stage have huge impacts on the Asia-Pacific region. Kevin Rudd, then leader of the opposition in Australia’s House of Representatives and in November 2007 elected Australia's next prime minister, explained the lessons the rest of the world can learn from his country’s response to China’s challenges.

Australia and East Asia

Tue, 24 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

January 24, 2006 at 12:00 AM

Australia has been one of America's most stalwart allies, as evidenced by its support in the two wars in Iraq. Increasingly, Australia is becoming a part of East Asian region. It has played a key role in the formation of APEC, the Cambodian peace process, independence for East Timor, and counter-terrorism in Southeast Asia. At this CNAPS roundtable luncheon, His Excellency Dennis Richardson, Ambassador of Australia to the United States, discussed Australia and East Asia.

Climate Pact a Good Beginning

Mon, 01 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Warwick J. McKibbin, Australian Financial Review (8/1/05)

Australia Should Be More Generous in Delivering Aid

Fri, 01 Jul 2005 00:00:00 GMT

In 2003, Prime Minister John Howard said: "In the end a nation's foreign policy must be values based." Michael Fullilove and Warwick J. McKibbin say he's right, and "there's no reason why our values should stop at the edge of our continent. As a first step, we should outline our plan for raising our foreign assistance to the level to which the world — including Australia — has agreed."

Australia Votes 2004: A Symposium on the October Australian Federal Election

Thu, 23 Sep 2004 18:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 23, 2004 at 6:30 PM

A panel of experts discussed the 2004 election in Australia and its implications not only for Australia, but for international relations as well.

The Australian Election: Who's Involved and What's at Stake?

Tue, 30 Oct 2001 16:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 30, 2001, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Brookings and the Center for Australian and New Zealand Studies, Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, examined the 2001 Australian national elections.

Time to Stop the Perennial Bidding Wars Over Super

Wed, 03 May 2000 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by R. Kent Weaver, in the New Zealand Herald, Senior Fellow, the Brookings Institution, May 3, 2000

Alternative Rules for Monetary Policy and Fiscal Policy in New Zealand: A Preliminary Assessment of Stabilization Properties

Mon, 01 Jul 1996 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Discussion Papers in International Economics

Central Bank Independence, Fiscal Responsibility, and the Goals of Macroeconomic Policy: An American Perspective on the New Zealand Experience

Sat, 01 Jun 1996 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Discussion Papers in International Economics